A Catalyst for Change: Karen Pittman Reflects on a Career Dedicated to Positive Youth DevelopmentKaren Pittman is an award-winning leader in youth development and has made a career of starting initiatives and organizations that promote positive youth development—including the Forum for Youth Investment. In addition to her work at the Forum, and roles with America’s Promise, National Urban League, Education Reimagined, and countless others, Pittman served in President Bill Clinton’s administration as director of the President’s Crime Prevention Council. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards of directors, including the board for Children’s Funding Project where she served as the inaugural chairperson. Currently Pittman is a partner at KP Catalysts, where she focuses on synthesizing research, policy, and practice resources about where, when, how, and why learning and development happen.Children’s Funding Project CEO Elizabeth Gaines recently spoke with Pittman about her career and leadership in the field of positive youth development.Filed under:Youth, Young Adults, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Leaders of Native Nations, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Video, Strategic Public FinancingFiled under:Youth, Young Adults, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Leaders of Native Nations, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Video, Strategic Public FinancingMore Resources Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Escambia County, FL The Escambia Children’s Trust aims to improve outcomes for children and youth by funding early learning, development services, health care, out-of-school programs, mental health programs, and family support services. Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: San Miguel County, CO Strong Start was created to ensure that all children from birth to kindergarten have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education in San Miguel County, CO. Updates and Events Insights May 12, 2026 Five Ways to Put Your Fiscal Map into Action Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth News March 26, 2026 In a Tough Fiscal Moment, States Look to Raise Revenue and Kids Have a Stake Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Escambia County, FL The Escambia Children’s Trust aims to improve outcomes for children and youth by funding early learning, development services, health care, out-of-school programs, mental health programs, and family support services.
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: San Miguel County, CO Strong Start was created to ensure that all children from birth to kindergarten have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education in San Miguel County, CO.
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth